Vaccination protects against whooping cough

Whooping cough (pertussis) is generally considered a classic childhood disease, so in most cases, as recommended by the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO), basic immunization is given in infancy (from the second month of life). This must be refreshed between the ages of five and six, and between the ages of nine and 17. These boosters are carried out with a reduced pertussis antigen content. However, those who want to be vaccinated against whooping cough as adults need a combination vaccination, as a monovalent whooping cough vaccine is no longer available.

But why is whooping cough so dangerous for adults?

Whooping cough is an infectious disease transmitted by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium in the form of tiny drops containing the poisonous bacteria. If it reaches the mucous membranes via the respiratory tract, these are damaged and the immune system is weakened. A typical symptom of the infection is a dry cough that lasts for weeks. In severe cases, the cough can lead to broken ribs, seizures or circulatory collapse. If whooping cough is diagnosed in an adult, treatment with an antibiotic usually helps. If an infant or an elderly or weakened person becomes infected, whooping cough can sometimes be fatal. It is not without reason that whooping cough has been listed as a notifiable disease under the Infection Protection Act (IfSG) since March 29.3.2013, XNUMX.

Vaccination prevents uncontrolled spread of whooping cough

To ensure that the number of whooping cough patients does not rise to uncontrollable levels and that the infection rates in risk groups remain as low as possible, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends vaccination against whooping cough in adults as well. Figures from a study from 2006 showed that in Germany 0,2 to 0,5 percent of all adults contract whooping cough every year. Many of them know that they are contagious. Disease nothing. Which is not dramatic for the affected person if they have a strong immune system. It only becomes a problem if they infect other people. For example, figures such as the 12 percent vaccination rate against whooping cough in adults are viewed critically by doctors. For example, if there is an infant in the family and becomes infected before basic immunization, the disease is often particularly severe. Even if the coughing fits are often less severe, respiratory arrest (apnea) can be a far greater risk. In addition, complications such as pneumonia, middle ear infections and inflammation of the brain with seizures occur more frequently with whooping cough in infancy. If the mother, on the other hand, is vaccinated, the risk for the infant can be minimized. If the entire family is vaccinated and the parents take the vaccination recommendation for their newborn seriously, the risk of a dangerous whooping cough infection is reduced even further.

Basic immunization and booster vaccination is advisable throughout life

Adults in particular should therefore have their vaccination records checked regularly. A combined vaccination is required for a repeat vaccination against whooping cough, as there is no longer a monovalent whooping cough vaccine available. The STIKO therefore recommends a combination of whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria. According to the latest studies, the safest protection for infants is immunization by the mother during pregnancy. This is a standard measure in the USA, Switzerland, Australia, Belgium and Great Britain, but is still being discussed by the STIKO in Germany. As a rule of thumb, a booster vaccination against whooping cough should always be given if the last one was more than ten years ago. This is especially true if there is contact with infants, small children and weakened people.